Israel backflip means iPads are now OK

Israel has approved imports of the Apple iPad a week after banning the tablet computer and seizing a few that travellers were bringing into the country.

The Israeli Communications Ministry originally said the iPad’s Wi-Fi used low-powered “American standards” which weren’t up to the “European standards” used by the Middle Eastern country.

But in a backflip, ministry spokesman Dr Yechiel Shabi says “the scrutiny conducted by the Ministry technical team vis-à-vis Apple’s team, International laboratory and European counterparts confirmed that the device which could be operated in various standards will be operated in Israel in accordance to the local standards”.

He says that, “following the completion of intensive technical scrutiny”, Israeli Minister of Communications Moshe Kachlon has said the importation “of a single device per person” will now be permitted.